The first of these pages examines the materials used for the instruments themselves and the cases that they came in. In it the materials are described together with the way in which the materials used changed with time.It is not always safe to assume that the name that appears on an instrument or case is that of the actual maker. Even if you are sure that it is not the name or initials of the owner, can you be sure that it is not the name of a retailer. Even major manufacturers did not make every item that they sold. The next page attempts to unravel some of complex web of makers trading with each other.Lastly, I have many sets and individual instruments that are unsigned. I have illustrated some of these in the hope that someone may be able to tell me who made them.